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Research papers on Screen time and child development

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  2. Association Between Screen Time Trajectory and Early Childhood Development in Children in China

    Jin Hua Zhao, Zhangsheng Yu, Xiaoning Sun, et al. · 2022 · Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine · 115 citations

    Importance: Screen time has become an integral part of children's daily lives. Nevertheless, the developmental consequences of screen exposure in young children remain unclear. Objective: To investigate the screen time trajectory from 6 to 72 months of age and its association with children's development at age 72 months in a prospective birth cohort. Design, Setting, and Participants: Women in Shanghai, China, who were at 34 to 36 gestational weeks and had an expected delivery date between May 2012 and July 2013 were recruited for this cohort study. Their children were followed up at 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 72 months of age. Children's screen time was classified into 3 groups at age 6

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  3. Active versus Passive Screen Time for Young Children

    Penelope Sweetser, Daniel Johnson, Anne Ozdowska, et al. · 2012 · Australasian Journal of Early Childhood · 108 citations

    IN THIS PAPER WE REPORT SOME initial findings from our investigations into the Australian Government's Longitudinal Study of Australian Children dataset. It is revealed that the majority of Australian children are exceeding the government's Screen Time recommendations and that most of their screen time is spent as TV viewing, as opposed to video game play or computer use. In light of this finding, we review the body of research surrounding children's engagement in Screen Time activities and the associated positive and negative effects. Based on existing evidence, we define two categories of Screen Time—Active Screen Time and Passive Screen Time. It is proposed that this distinction provides

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  4. Screen time and early childhood development in Ceará, Brazil: a population-based study

    Hermano Alexandre Lima Rocha, Luciano Lima Correia, Álvaro Jorge Madeiro Leite, et al. · 2021 · BMC Public Health · 74 citations

    BACKGROUND: Globally, children's exposure to digital screens continues to increase and is associated with adverse effects on child health. We aimed to evaluate the association of screen exposure with child communication, gross-motor, fine-motor, problem-solving, and personal-social development scores. METHODS: We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study with cluster sampling among children 0-60 months of age living in the state of Ceará, Brazil. Child screen time was assessed by maternal report and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations were used to define excessive screen time exposure. Child development was assessed with the Brazilian Ages and Stages Questionnaire.

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  5. Screen on = development off? A systematic scoping review and a developmental psychology perspective on the effects of screen time on early childhood development

    Fabio Sticca, Valérie Brauchli, Patricia Lannen · 2025 · Frontiers in Developmental Psychology · 32 citations

    Research on the associations between screen time and child development suggests that various forms of screen time might pose a risk for various aspects of child development. However, data on the impact of exposure to screen media on the development of children under 3 years of age is comparatively scarce. Although the evidence available on the topic is evolving rapidly, no review of existing literature has yet encompassed a comprehensive set of developmental outcomes with a focus in the first 3 years of life. To address this research gap, the present literature review focused on the influences of screen time on various developmental outcomes of children aged zero to 36 months. These outcomes

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  6. Patterns of preschool children’s screen time, parent–child interactions, and cognitive development in early childhood: a pilot study

    Jasmine Rai, Madison Predy, S. Wiebe, et al. · 2023 · Pilot and Feasibility Studies · 31 citations

    Background The primary objective of this study was to explore the feasibility of a virtual study protocol for a future longitudinal study, including recruitment, study measures, and procedures. The secondary objective was to examine preliminary hypotheses of associations, including 1) the correlations between total duration and patterns of screen time and cognitive development, and 2) the differences in quality of parent – child interactions for two screen-based tasks and a storybook reading task. Methods Participants included 44 children aged 3 years and their parents from Edmonton, Alberta and surrounding areas. Children’s screen time patterns (i.e., type, device, content, context) were pa

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  8. Negotiating screen time: A mother’s struggle over ‘no screen time’ with her infant son

    Laura Teichert · 2020 · Journal of Early Childhood Literacy · 22 citations

    The literature on infant and toddler screen time has been built on two traditions—cognitive models of learning and sociocultural models of learning. Cognitive studies have cautioned against the use of screen time for young children because clinical research has not shown children can learn as effectively from screens as they do from human interaction and might delay children’s cognitive development. Conversely, qualitative research has described the social ways children learn and use digital technology through social interactions with other people in their homes. This paper reports on an autoethnographic study of how digital tools were embedded in the everyday ways of life in my home during

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  9. Screen Exposure and Early Childhood Development in Resource-Limited Regions: Findings From a Population-Based Survey Study

    Yu-Yin Xiao, Dorien Emmers, Shanshan Li, et al. · 2025 · Journal of Medical Internet Research · 18 citations

    Background The content of children’s screen exposure and interactive coviewing with caregivers are important determinants of early childhood development (ECD) that have been overlooked in past research in resource-limited rural regions. Given the prevalence of digital devices and diverse digital content today, determining screen use practices that minimize the negative impacts on children’s development is crucial for promoting healthy screen use among children. Objective This study aims to examine screen exposure among children aged <3 years in rural China and investigate its relationship with ECD outcomes, focusing on duration, content, coviewing, and interaction. Methods The sample include

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  10. Impact of Screen Time on Language Development and Vocabulary Acquisition in Early Childhood: A Systematic Review

    Evangeline C Nwachukwu, Aahana Nigam, Sandeep Sekar Lakshmisai, et al. · 2025 · Cureus · 6 citations

    Language development in the first few years of life is critical for later academic and social success. With the increasing use of digital devices among preschoolers, there have been concerns about the potential impact of screen time on language outcomes. Existing research presents mixed findings, making it necessary to synthesize current evidence. This systematic review aimed to examine and synthesize empirical evidence on the relationship between screen time and language development in early childhood, with emphasis on factors such as device type, content quality, socioeconomic status, and parent-child interaction. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Anal

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  11. Mothers' Perceptions on the Impact of Early Childhood Development and Parenting: A Comparative Study of Screen Time Groups in Indonesia

    Vivi Irzalinda, M. Latifah, Dwi Hastuti · 2025 · Media Publikasi Promosi Kesehatan Indonesia (MPPKI) · 5 citations

    Introduction: The increased use of digital devices during childhood, both in urban and rural areas with high technology access, raises concerns about their impact on child development and health. This calls for evidence-based interventions that consider the balance between the benefits and risks of screen time. However, existing empirical evidence shows inconsistencies in linking screen time duration to sociodemographic factors, parenting practices, and various aspects of child development. This study comparative analyses sociodemographic variables, parenting practices, and maternal perceptions in relation to screen time.' Methods: This cross-sectional study included 301 mothers of children

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  12. Beyond Screen Time: Effective Use of Digital Tools in Early Childhood Development

    Dalal Aldhilan, Shahid Rafiq, Ayesha Afzal · 2025 · TEM Journal · 4 citations

    This qualitative study explores the integration of digital tools in early childhood education (ECE) in Lahore, Pakistan, through semi-structured interviews with 25 educators and 25 parents of children aged 4–6 years. Employing thematic analysis, the study identifies seven themes: Educational Enhancement, Access and Equity Challenges, Developmental Concerns, Teacher Preparedness, Screen Time Regulation Strategies, Cultural and Contextual Relevance, and Parental Involvement. Findings reveal that digital tools, such as interactive apps, enhance engagement, literacy, numeracy, and motivation. Still, benefits are limited by unequal access to devices and the internet, particularly in public school

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  13. Screen Time and Early Childhood Social–Emotional Development Among Children Aged Five to Six Years

    F. Sari, Agustien Lilawati, Mush'ab Al Umairi · 2025 · Journal of Educational Management Research · 2 citations

    Digital exposure has become a dominant part of early childhood routines and increasingly influences social–emotional development. This study aims to analyze the relationship between screen time, peer interaction, emotional regulation, and parental mediation in children aged 5–6 years. Using a qualitative case study, data were collected from six children, two teachers, and four parents through interviews, observations, and documentation. The findings show that high screen exposure triggers weakened emotional regulation, reflected in frequent tantrums, low frustration tolerance, and abrupt mood shifts. Excessive screen time also reduces peer interaction, indicated by 52% low group participatio

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  14. The impact of passive screen time on early childhood speech and xml:language development: parental perspectives and behavioral correlates

    A. Inayat, Shumaila Malik, A. Zaman, et al. · 2025 · Journal of Basic &amp; Clinical Medical Sciences · 2 citations

    Excessive and early exposure to digital screens has raised growing concerns about its implications for children’s speech and xml:language development. This study investigated the associations between passive screen exposure and speech and xml:language delays in children aged 5–8 years, focusing on behavioral and clinical risk factors such as screen-use duration, content type, contextual usage, parental awareness, and screen-time mediation strategies. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 203 parent‒child dyads via a structured questionnaire. Most children were exposed to screens before age two, with more than 57% exceeding two hours of daily screen time. Social media and ent

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  15. SCREEN TIME INFLUENCE ON EARLY CHILDHOOD SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

    Catherine Thamarai Arumugam, Mas Ayu Said, Nik Daliana Nik Farid, et al. · 2022 · Health Problems of Civilization · 2 citations

    Background The World Health Organization calls for avoidance of screen-based media usage for children below the age of one and for limitation of screen time to not more than an hour for children under the age of five due to public health concerns. This study is aimed to determine the prevalence of excessive screen time and its association with early childhood social-emotional development among Malaysian children. Material and methods Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 600 Malaysian parents of children aged 18 and 36 months old. Child’s social-emotional development was measured using the “Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social Emotional-2” questionnaire. Multivariate logistic

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  16. The Effects of Screen Time on Early Childhood Development: A Systematic Literature Review

    Riama Claudia Christine Lumban Gaol, Nur Alam Fajar · 2025 · JURNAL INFO KESEHATAN · 1 citations

    The effects of screen time on young children warrant greater attention, particularly as screen use has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Excessive screen exposure in early childhood reduces opportunities for adequate stimulation and limits children’s engagement with their physical and social environments. When children do not receive sufficient developmental stimulation during this critical period, optimal brain development may be affected, potentially leading to delays or disorders across various developmental domains. This review aimed to further examine the negative impact of screen time on early childhood development. Guided by the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was cond

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  17. Digital media and child health: Navigating the impact of screen time on early childhood development

    Venugopal Reddy Iragamreddy · 2025 · World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences

    With the exponential rise in digital media usage, understanding the impacts of screen time on early childhood development has become imperative. This review synthesizes current evidence on the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social effects of digital media usage in young children. It examines established guidelines, identifies potential benefits and risks, and offers practical recommendations for pediatricians and parents to optimize screen time practices, balancing technology's educational potential with the critical developmental needs of children.

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  18. INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL SCREEN TIME ON STUDY HABITS & BEHAVIORAL DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

    Samreen Mustafa, Shazia Malik · 2025 · Gomal University Journal of Research

    In today’s digital age, many parents spend excessive time on screens, which affects their interaction with children. This leads to children feeling lonely and struggling with consistent study habits. This research finds the influence of parental screen time on the study habits and behavioral development of children in early childhood, focusing on children aged 3 to 8 years Using a quantitative survey research design, data was collected from a sample of 200 parents across Punjab, Pakistan, through a non-random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was employed. The instrument’s reliability was confirmed over appropriate statistical procedures. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Key findi

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  19. Longitudinal Associations Between Screen Time, Brain Development, and Language Outcomes in Early Childhood

    Eun Jung Choi, E. S. Nichols, L. Tomfohr-Madsen, et al. · 2025 · bioRxiv

    Language development during toddlerhood is supported by both neurobiological maturation and environmental experiences. It relies on reciprocal interaction, and excessive screen time exposure may have a negative impact. In the current study, we investigated how screen time at age two relates to language outcomes and brain development at ages two and three. Seventy toddlers underwent MRI scanning and neurodevelopmental testing, and brain volumes in language-related areas were extracted. Structural equation modelling showed that at age two, there was a negative relationship between screen time and pars triangularis volumes. Importantly, smaller volumes at age two predicted greater screen time u

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  20. Virtual Autism and Electronic Media: Impact of Screen Time on Early Childhood Development

    Babita Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University · 2024 · International Journal of Emerging Knowledge Studies

    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been on the rise in recent years, and researchers have been identifying a number of potential contributing factors. One such concern arises from the association of excessive screen time with the development of ASD-like symptoms, which has created the concept of "Virtual Autism." This research paper investigates the impact that high-frequency electronic media and digital device use have on early childhood development and its potential link to ASD. The paper explores how a reduction in screen time reduces the threats associated with Virtual Autism. This paper brings forth the results that highlight parent-children interaction and free play as fundamental bric

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  21. TO EVALUATE EXPOSURE AND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT: ANALYZING SCREEN TIME, SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC INFLUENCES, AND MEDIA DEVICE IMPACT

    A. Raje, S. Mohite · 2024 · ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts

    The rise of digital media has profoundly influenced childhood development, especially during critical phases of growth. The American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization advocate limiting screen time for children aged 2–5 years to less than one hour daily, emphasizing high-quality content and parental supervision. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated screen usage in India, amplifying risks such as speech delays, cognitive and motor skill deficits, and emotional challenges. This study examines developmental outcomes linked to screen time among 0 to 6 years children in Pune, India, analyzing socio-demographic and parental factors affecting screen use. Data from 80 participants were

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  22. Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Early Childhood Development: A Comprehensive Literature Review Analysis

    A. Fathima, Akilandeswari · 2026 · International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering Management &amp; Applied Science

    Excessive screen time in early childhood has become a major public health concern, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. This review of the literature critically analyzes current studies examining the effects of screen time on cognitive, language, social-emotional skills, physical growth, and preparedness for school in children aged 0–6 years. Five significant peer-reviewed studies released from 2022 to 2023 were examined, comprising systematic evaluations and forward-looking cohort studies. Results consistently show correlations between heightened screen time and setbacks in language development, diminished academic preparedness, reduced quality of parent-child engagement, and possible co

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  23. Beyond Screen Time: A Scoping Review of Screen Exposure and Early Childhood Development

    Mshari Alghadier, Ragab Kamal Elnaggar, Abdulaziz Ghandurah, et al. · 2026 · Healthcare

    BACKGROUND: Screen exposure in early childhood has evolved beyond traditional duration-focused "screen time" to encompass a multidimensional construct including content quality, context of use, co-viewing, caregiver mediation, and developmental trajectories. Understanding these dimensions is essential for comprehensive assessment, particularly in rapidly digitizing cultural contexts such as Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. OBJECTIVES: This scoping review aimed to systematically map and synthesize peer-reviewed evidence on multidimensional screen exposure and developmental outcomes in children aged 0-5 years, with specific focus on language, cognitive, and socio-emotional outcomes. M

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  24. The Association Between Screen Time and Character Development in Early Childhood at Islamic Educational Institutions

    S. Maharani, Renistiara Medilianasari · 2026 · Nuris Journal of Education and Islamic Studies

    Character development is a crucial aspect of the growth and development of young children. Excessive screen time without parental supervision can have negative effects on children’s character development. This study aims to analyze the relationship between screen time duration and character development in young children, specifically in the areas of Islamic based character education that emphasizes the formation of akhlakhul karimah through ta’dib processes in early childhood, specifically in developing honesty, responsibility, empathy, discipline, and respect for others. The study employed a quantitative method with a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of the entire population of

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